Reds stress the details on the first day of spring training
GOODYEAR, Ariz. –– The Cincinnati Reds kicked off the first full-squad workout of spring training by reinforcing their identity as a team.
On the practice fields, they worked on small details of defensive technique, team defense, bunt defense, taking leads off of first base and base running.
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“They understand that we have the big vision, but that happens when you’re in the moment starting Day 1,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Caring about those details. Straight from the players, they understand that’s going to get us where we’re going. It’s more than that, but we have the other things. The fundamentals and the details, being great at that is a huge part of this. We understand that.”
Last year, as the Reds excelled in those areas, several players credited the focus on the details during spring training as a key to the team’s successful season. When Bell prepared his message for the team entering 2024, he cited that experience.
“We’re all very process oriented in this game,” Bell said. “Especially on this team, they really understand the value of trusting it. Our identity last year was so simple, but it’s a great thing to be known for. Playing hard and playing together and never giving up. Simple things that matter so much.”
Graham Ashcraft on extension talks
About this same time of the spring a year ago, the Cincinnati Reds made all three of their trio of talented 2022 rookie starters contract extension offers.
They got a six-year, $53 million deal done with right-hander Hunter Greene – the biggest contract commitment on their books after the departure of Joey Votto – but Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft didn’t agree to terms.
A year later, Ashcraft – the Reds’ best pitcher in the second half until a toe injury wiped out his final month – said he hasn’t been approached by the front office this time around, suggesting he’d be interested (depending, of course, on the offer).
He and Lodolo are both expected to be eligible for arbitration after this season, which would mean serious salary jumps with good, healthy seasons.
Lodolo is building up on a closely monitored program this spring after missing almost all of last season with a stress fracture in his left leg.
Team president Nick Krall said over the winter he expected to explore extensions with some of the Reds’ young players – and Ashcraft would seem one of the best candidates, considering the way he looked after an early season slump last year and his status entering camp.
Ashcraft, who went 7-9 with a 4.76 ERA in 26 starts, was 4-3 with a 2.58 ERA over his final 12 – pitching through the injury to the right big toe until it became impossible. He eventually had surgery.
The only problem he’s had since camp opened is a pesky discomfort in the area of the old injury as he gets accustomed again to using cleats after the long layoff, followed by indoor throwing in sneakers over the winter.
“It’s just having to get used to having those pressure points from the spikes sticking up in my feet,” he said. “I’ve got insoles, so that helps. But it’s just like anything. It’s just another step and progression of having to get back into baseball life again.
“The bone is all healed,” he added. “It’s just the small muscles in the foot that had to get used to getting back into spikes and running around and being on my feet a lot longer.”
He’s under no workload limitations and expects a normal, on-time Cactus League schedule and for the season. “Full-go,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds stress the details on the first day of spring training
